Digital Alterity in School: Adolescents and Social Networks

Abstract

Virtual social networks are essential spaces of interaction during adolescence, relationships built in these scenarios complement or extend face-to-face social ties. In this context, the aim of this research is to expand the frameworks of representation of youth in school through the analysis of the form in which adolescents build alterity relationships in virtual social networks. With a qualitative approach of virtual ethnographic design, participant observation was carried out on digital platforms (Instagram and Facebook) during the year 2023, and the focus group and semi-structured interview were used with 20 students between 16 and 18 years belonging to two public education institutions in Colombia and Spain. The data were systematized in ATLAS.ti 24 with an open coding process and with virtual social networks and digital alterity concepts as analysis categories. The results show that participants establish relationships on virtual social networks based on uses and motivations through a deployment of socio-emotional skills aimed at caring for others. Thus, social networks are consolidated as spaces where adolescents obtain recognition from their peers, freely express their personality, strengthen bonds of friendship, build new social links, and configure their digital identity. Given the growing use of these platforms during adolescence, the response of contemporary society has been to prevent cyberbullying. However, it is necessary to implement ongoing school coexistence programs that provide training strategies in socio-emotional development to students, to encourage the establishment of digital alterity relationships characterized by the recognition of the other, their fragility and their radical difference.
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